The seaside hamlet of Woolacombe in north Devon is at the foot of a
steep road leading down to a sandy beach, which is punctuated with large
outcrops of limestone rock. To the north the sand gives way to the promontory
of Morte Point. Barricane Beach faces due west and is fully exposed to
the Atlantic weather.

The low tide exposes deep weed-fringed pools and narrow water filled
gullies. Parts of the beach are comprised of shell gravel.

Dominant Fauna

The fauna is somewhat limited by sand scour. On suitable substrates
with hiding places large specimens of the Shore,
Edible and Velvet Swimming Crabs can be found. Under rocks, the Shanny
and 5-Bearded Rocklings are very common. Starfish
are found in unpredictable numbers on the mussel beds.

5 Bearded
Rockling

Sea Anemones

The beach is an ideal location for the anemone enthusiast, with six
different species to be found, including some very large and colourful
Dahlia
Anemones. A large variety of Gem Anemone,
Bunodactis verrucosa, with in excess of 100 tentacles, together with
the rare Anthopleura thallia in a variety of reds, yellows, greens
and oranges have been found. The other species are the
Beadlet,
Daisy
and Snakelocks Anemones.

Gem
Anemone

Mobile Species

This site has yet to produce many fish species, although I have spied
Mackerel
in
the large gullies. However, a trip after a storm can be productive to the
echinoderm fancier. In January 1990, I found a Spiny Starfish, Marthasterias
glacialis, with a total diameter, including the arms, of 32 cm.